The Maid of Wedgemore

The plan is ongoing

“Maid!” Diana heard her name being yelled at the Main Hall, so she quickly ran there

“Yes, your highness?”

“Cook and feed Prince Robert’s men. Tell them it is a present to show them our gratitude”

“Of course, your highness”

Diana returned to the kitchen, not believing the great amount of food she would have to cook. She knew she would be busy for the next hours.

“Your highness!” A guard entered the Main Hall

“Yes?!” The Queen said in a annoyed tone

“There is a message for you”

“Bring it to me” she quickly said.

The young guard quickly walked to her, handing her the letter “Now go help the maid taking the food to the Stonegateans” she harshly said, opening the letter as soon as she was alone:

Good. Take him down.

Diana was glad the young guard helped her and even called one another to help as well. The place the Stonegateans were was still far from there. She walked with them, listening to their excitement in participating in some of the Stonegatean’s fight training.

“They are simply amazing, it is no surprise they are the strongest.” One said

“You should just see how good Montfort is, in combat”

“He could take at least five man at the same time” they excitedly said

“There were about twenty when Prince Robert was attacked, the night of the ball” Diana spoke, not being sure why she said it.

“Prince Robert doesn’t really participates. He’s basically watching”

“Oh look” the other guard said, as they approached “They’re still training!”

Diana was dumbfounded with what she saw. She was expecting a violent scenario, they fighting each other. But no, the mood was good, welcoming. Despite their training, laughs could be heard, they seemed like a family.

They dropped the big food pots and watched the Stonegateans

“Oh, do I smell food?” Diana watched as a very good looking blond guy, blue eyes, approached

“Sir Montfort” The guards said

“Uh, the Queen said she would offer you all food, she is grateful for your help” Diana spoke

He smiled at her “that is a very sweet gesture. We are all thankful for it, it wasn’t necessary, though”

“Ahh, I’m tired for today” a soldier said, not far from there, to the other one he was fighting.

Diana saw Montfort grabbing his sword, but before he could say something, Prince Robert appeared out of nowhere

“What did you just say?”

The soldier’s eyes widened “Oh, I’m… nothing, your highness”

“How about you say that to your opponent, in the middle of a war?!” He snapped, approaching him

“You are right… Prince Robert. I am not tired, I… I apologize”

Diana never saw someone so scared like that young soldier was at the time. She noticed how intense their training was, how hard they fought.

“Hit me” The prince said, not picking his sword up

“B-But… what?”

“Do it!” The prince ordered, approaching the soldier even more. The soldier started manipulating his sword against the Prince, uselessly. Even without a sword, it was obvious how the Prince was playing against him, giving him the oportunity to win the fight. It was useless, anyway. After some time, the prince finally got the sword out of his hand, throwing the soldier at the floor.